Musings on a Life in the Theatre, Tablet PC's, Cultural Issues, (oh, and the occasional emu sighting...)

February 17, 2013

A Day at Wayside Theatre that Shows Us at Our Best

Yesterday was an amazing day at Wayside
Theatre and in the campaign to keep the theatre's doors open. We had two
wonderful performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. The
talented cast and the audience bridged that small gulf between the
edge of the stage and the auditorium in both shows and together created
a magical musical experience. Watching the conclusion of both shows you got
the sense that no one wanted the experience to end.

Second,
once again, children involved with Wayside Theatre were out in force
trying to raise funds and awareness. The Suzuki Violin Class was playing
at the Espresso Bar and Cafe in downtown Winchester. If you check out our Facebook page you'll see pictures of their efforts yesterday. Bravo
kids!

Third, in our Curtain Call Cafe, the artwork that is on
display is proving to be a big hit. Artist Loretta Bailey organized 15
local artists to donate paintings or prints to Wayside Theatre to help
the campaign. I believe we've sold 6 or 7 of the paintings so far, and
people are talking about the art during the intermission and after the
show. This exhibition is also helping us drive conversations about the
campaign and our efforts there. Again check out our Facebook page or website to learn more about the wonderful efforts of these artists and how they
are helping.

I'm sure we passed the $60,000 mark during all
that was happening yesterday and of course we'll post an accurate update
in the next few days. But if you are one of those who wonder was
Wayside Theatre is important, why it is necessary, why you should lend
your support, if you had stopped by the theatre yesterday you would not
be wondering anymore. I was lucky. I got to experience the entire day at
the theatre in ways most never do. But, as one patron said on leaving
the evening performance last night, "there really is something special
to be loved and cherished here."

Comments

A Day at Wayside Theatre that Shows Us at Our Best

Yesterday was an amazing day at Wayside
Theatre and in the campaign to keep the theatre's doors open. We had two
wonderful performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. The
talented cast and the audience bridged that small gulf between the
edge of the stage and the auditorium in both shows and together created
a magical musical experience. Watching the conclusion of both shows you got
the sense that no one wanted the experience to end.

Second,
once again, children involved with Wayside Theatre were out in force
trying to raise funds and awareness. The Suzuki Violin Class was playing
at the Espresso Bar and Cafe in downtown Winchester. If you check out our Facebook page you'll see pictures of their efforts yesterday. Bravo
kids!

Third, in our Curtain Call Cafe, the artwork that is on
display is proving to be a big hit. Artist Loretta Bailey organized 15
local artists to donate paintings or prints to Wayside Theatre to help
the campaign. I believe we've sold 6 or 7 of the paintings so far, and
people are talking about the art during the intermission and after the
show. This exhibition is also helping us drive conversations about the
campaign and our efforts there. Again check out our Facebook page or website to learn more about the wonderful efforts of these artists and how they
are helping.

I'm sure we passed the $60,000 mark during all
that was happening yesterday and of course we'll post an accurate update
in the next few days. But if you are one of those who wonder was
Wayside Theatre is important, why it is necessary, why you should lend
your support, if you had stopped by the theatre yesterday you would not
be wondering anymore. I was lucky. I got to experience the entire day at
the theatre in ways most never do. But, as one patron said on leaving
the evening performance last night, "there really is something special
to be loved and cherished here."